Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison Q&A

As promised, here’s video of the question and answer that Rick Dennison did at the Texans All Access event. A few comments about the video: 1. sound quality is a little sketchy; 2. my camera ran out of battery as the best stuff was said; 3. I’ve edited down the video to the parts of most interest to fans to make it more watchable (though this meant some of the funny parts were cut out); 4. the video editing will not win me any awards but hey, that’s not my strong suit.

Of special interest are thoughts on rookie Trindon Holliday as wide receiver and his plans for the running game.

From the video it sounds like he wants to do to the running game what Gary Kubiak has already done to the passing game.

You watch the video and please tell me your impressions. And if you are particularly bored this time of year, you can check out my YouTube channel that has a bunch of videos I’ve uploaded plus a number of ones I’ve made “favorites.”

27 Responses

So Kubiak says that Holliday has to become a WR in order to play in this league, but it was obvious he was drafted for his return game, not his WR skills.

So if he doesn’t “prove to the team he know’s what the hell he’s doing” per Kubiak, as a WR, do the Texans cut him, even though he could make a HUGE difference in their return game and give Jacoby Jones a chance at being a better WR?

[Specialists present problems for limited rosters. Kubiak wants them to know other positions on the field in case of injury. I think between Dennison's comments and the ones from the special teams coach Joe Marciano video, I'm pretty optimistic about Holliday making the team. I think they want it to happen but they are pushing for him to prove it in camp. -Steph]

Is there an adult male left in the USA other than myself who only wears adult shoes?

Our OC wears flip flops?? Sigh.

[If a guy has okay looking toenails, he should feel free to wear flips. If he doesn't, he needs to get his toenails fixed. Flips are the best shoes ever. Crocs on the other hand are just sweat accumulators. -Steph]

He is saying all the political right things to say so you can’t really buy into much of what he says, they are trying to emplore the style in Denver that got a superbowl winning coach fired so I think they did a new coach new style that has proven to successful now. The old Denver system does not work anymore. I perdict the offense will slip in the passing game and the running game will improve form last year but not at a level to really be a difference maker. Defense will be in the middle of the pack and they will not make it to .500 year 2010. So it will really be interesting to see how McNair persues a really good caoch but not really wanting to pay a whole lot of money we will finally see what his hidden agenda has been.

[What got Shanahan fired was not being able to fix the defense combined with a huge number of injuries on offense that led to late season troubles. That final season they lost 7 starting running backs to injury. Interestingly, it was failing to make the playoffs three years in a row that caused the end of Shanahan--three years where Kubiak had left to go to the Texans. There's a number of Denver fans who believe that Shanahan missed having Kubiak with the team. -Steph]

1. Dennison is very comfortable in his skin, he knows his stuff and knows he knows his stuff, yet there is no arrogance about him. I can see how he and Koobs are complimentary to each other. Koobs has matured as a HC, and I see Dennison as part of that maturation. Before Dennison he either had an experienced security blanket Sherman, who I believe is too strong a personality, or youngster who was a “kid” that he was training up. Dennison needs know training up, he is all about meshing and for the first time in his HC tenure here I think Koobs has a ‘brother’ on the offensive side of the ball and a brother he meshes with very well. Previously he had a dad or sons!

2. I also think Dennison is very professional but not defensive or tight. He was wearing khakis and flops, how great is that? He is not as intense as Koobs but yet is by no means going to be intimidated by him. I don’t see Koobs jumping up into Dennison like he did Kyle from time to time! There is long term relationship there and I think the respect for each other is strong. This is going to be a plus.

3. I know Koobs from way back, and I can tell you anyone thinking the guy is soft and a “golly gee willikers” kind of guy hasn’t got a clue to how competitive and anal the guy really is on a football field! The thing is when he had young guys he is mentoring and training at the OC spot he really has to work to keep that side fiery, demanding, competitive side of him under control. He was never able to just let go and be himself.

Well I predict that with the bringing in of Dennison and Knapp that is going to change. Those guys are easy going guys and Koobs trust them. I already see more of the real Koobs showing up in the press releases, more of the competitive fire and edge is showing and he also appears more comfortable in his own skin at the same time. Koobs is never going to have an outward demeanor, especially in public, like a Rex Ryan. He is not a show man and he does not wear his emotions on his sleeve and he is pretty private but man I can tell you he hates to lose and he is a fierce competitor and in the heat of battle if he doesn’t think your holding up your part he will rip into you pretty good. Just ask Joe or Schuab and or our departed 2nd team QB, Rosenfields who publicly asked Koobs to stop ripping him a new one!

The thing is this teams is fully his team, the coaches are his guys. Koobs has fully grown up as an HC and this is the year where we will really know if he has what it takes to lead the Texans into the promise land or not. I think he does have the goods and bringing in Dennison is going to free him up more to be himself.

Of course if we get to the playoffs and make some noise and our running game improves, as it should with Foster having a year under him, the return of Slaton and the addition of Tate, then Dennison is going to have suitors knocking on the door for an HC position and once again we’ll be bringing in or raising up Knapp to be the OC. The price of success is that teams cherry pick your OC and DCs to be HCs.

Trindon Holliday and Dickerson will make this team but this spells the end to Glenn Martinez and Andre Davis stint with the Texans. I always thought the Davis signing was for too long and for too much when they resigned him few years back.

[Lots of upcoming camp to survive healthy, and be productive. Too early to say. -Steph]

I think Kubiak is playin poker with the ability’s of Trindon. if Kubiak comes out talkin about how fast and talented he is, you’re showin your hand and geekin out over a full house. plus if he gives the kid too much cred, it will go to his head and he may get cocky. i’m pretty sure Kubs is cheesin inside on the possiblities this kid offers. Man, isn’t it crazy how a 6th round pick is getting all this media buzz more than any other pick…

as far as him being just a specialist,

like i said this kid has speed over speed’s uncle, times speed’s speed’s speed. throw him the ball out in space, away from the defensive juggernauts so he doesnt get Moshed. let the player do what he does best, run fast and not get hit, so Kubs and Coach D need to put guys like Slaton, and Holliday in the best position to attack defenses. put the ball in the fastest guys hands and block for him, he’s bound to make somethin big happen….

we were top 10 in scoring last year, i predict top 5 this season, and with playing the top caliber teams can only help us when or lose. they will gain alot from this tough schedule, and champions can endure a schedule like this….

Sorry Stephanie, but I am the other man *Chris* is searching for. Flips are not shoes, not now, not ever. As we become a more ‘relaxed’ society so many things are now considered vogue, not by necessity, but by convenience. The military issues 3 types of clothing. Class “A” (dress). Class “B” (casual) & Class “C” (work). These flip-flops of which you speak, don’t even rate a classification. They reside in the same category as underwear & socks. Flips do have a place in the shower, which is what they were designed for in the 1960′s, to prevent disease. To wear flips out in public sends the obvious message of, “why bother, I just don’t care”. To see all the “flippers” just cruise Wal-Mart & check them out. But first, ask the greeter to pull up his pants!

[Perhaps Dennison's flips signify that he is so good at his job, it doesn't matter how he dresses. A degree of confidence. -Steph]

How can Dennison be considered good at his job if Shanahan’s ultimate demise at Denver was caused by his longing for Kubiak. Didn’t Dennison take over for Kubiak? Or … is Kubiak the Michael Jordan of offensive coordinators and can’t be replaced?

You forgot to mention that the 49ers haven’t won another Super Bowl since Kubiak left as QB coach, yada yada, yada.

Did Steve Young and Jerry Rice kill for Kubiak’s praise?

[I am not saying that Kubiak is the be-all end-all. I will say that Bronco fans in general very much liked Kubiak and Dennison, and wish that they would have stayed. You can take that whatever way you want. From Steve Young's HoF speech: "I have to say today in the audience I have never been more productive as a player then when Mike Shanahan and when Gary Kubiak were my coach." -Steph]

Steph I have been keeping up with your blog for quite some time. I feel that you have something worth reading.

Anyway I was wondering if you have any speculation on why the Texans aren’t trying to sign OJ Atogwe for an upgrade on the back end. He is a ball hawk on passes and creates turnovers. I believe he could help shore up a young secondary.

[The Texans tend to keep their business really quiet, so if they had their way, there wouldn't be any rumors that they were interested. Even so, I don't think they are interested: 1. because they've said publicly that they are happy with their safety situation; 2. they have some sizeable money deals that they are going to have to work in the nearish future--hard to bring in a new guy at big coin when Pollard wants a long term deal for example; 3. Other teams may value him higher for their teams than the Texans do so the money is likely going to be silly. -Steph]

Training camp will get here sooner than the video download. We’re not expansion fans anymore.

I take the OTA quotes with a dose of salt. From the last 2 games of last season the running game doesn’t look to be all that broke that it needs so much fixing. The blessing in disguise has come to fruition, and the Texans offensive line is deeper.

What it all means is that if you ask people questions and they’re civil, they feel obligated to answer them, even if the answers are :D.

They’re not an expansion team anymore and it’s time for them to roll up the sleeves and get ugly.

Croc’s make some awesome flips, especially the molded ones. And they come in various colors!

[For adults, crocs are 1. Visual birth control and B. Unbreathable stink collectors. For kids, they are just fine. -Steph]

I don’t have many fashion rules, but this one works for me: If my 7-year-old niece loves it, I don’t.

Flip-flops are perfectly fine for the right occasion. Anybody who thinks flip-flops are the end of Western Civilization as we know it needs to get over themselves. It’s all about context and situation. I’m not wearing them to the office, but I sure as heck will wear them walking around town on a hundred degree day. Darn tootin’ I will.

I can tell you anyone thinking the guy is soft and a “golly gee willikers” kind of guy hasn’t got a clue to how competitive and anal the guy really is on a football field!

It just boggles my mind how some people cannot realize what a tiny little mountain top it is for pro athletes and coaches–especially for the guys who can manage to combine both of those. Is he the next Bill Walsh? I doubt it, but he’s a lot closer to Walsh than he is to a lot of people who’ve tried to play the game…much less to us fans.

[There have been 45 Super Bowls. Kubiak has participated in 6 of them. Lost 3 as a player, and won 3 as an assistant. -S]

Not gonna knock the mans shoes. He looks relaxed. I think we have some relaxed calm seasoned characters that all have talent to go with that seasoning finally. Dennison will do fine I am sure. Cant wait for the training camp. Gonna be so exciting. So much potential.

Crocs are a fad. Flip flops are fun, birkenstocks are better, but the best shoes are no shoes at all. Too bad that Houston suffers so much from the evil of fire ants (and concrete) that it is hard to find a safe place to feel the grass on your feet. I’ll bet those Texans practice fields are pretty well maintained, but I might want to go with the work boots to avoid having a 300# guy step on my unprotected foot.

That said, I agree with Kreno. I wear my sandals every weekend, because I am half hillbilly and half beach bum, and when I’m relaxing, I just don’t care. During the week I have to be buttoned down and businesslike. During the weekend, I don’t want to wear shoes that require socks. So if you see a guy at a Texans game wearing sandals, it might be me.

I will say that Bronco fans in general very much liked Kubiak and Dennison, and wish that they would have stayed. You can take that whatever way you want. From Steve Young’s HoF speech: “I have to say today in the audience I have never been more productive as a player then when Mike Shanahan and when Gary Kubiak were my coach.” -Steph]

You pretty much implied that Shanahan didn’t make the playoffs his last 3 years in Denver in part because Kubiak had moved on to the Texans. That is quite a reach.

I’m not bashing Kubiak’s record as an assistant coach but I don’t understand the need to selectively highlight his past coaching resume when he is in his 5th season as a head coach. He is not applying for the job anymore.

Steve Young very graciously praised every non Tampa Bay coach he was associated with during his career. This included the illustrious Marty Mornhinweg. How did he turn out as a head coach? Kubiak has publically stated how much the 49ers imparted their coaching ways and methodologies upon him instead of the other way around.

[I'm just passing along the thoughts that some Denver fans had--that they missed having Kubiak there and that they thought the team suffered from his absence. As for Young's comments, he made a point of saying his best year was with Shanahan and Kubiak. It's worth seeing the America's Game where Young wins the Super Bowl--Kubiak gets a lot of airtime on that episode in one of the most controversial things that happened that season. He didn't have to mention Kubiak--he was just a QB coach. Just passing along info--you can do with it as your confirmation biases dictate. -Steph]

9 out of 10 women should keep their tootsie’s under wraps. Yet 9 out of 10 women seem to think its cool/attractive to let their Medusa snakes out for public view with nary a hint of manicure or unchipped nail polish. Blek.

Dudes, don’t show your toes. If you aren’t near water, you’re just grossing the rest of us out. Think of it like Michael Phelps, just because he wears a speedo doesn’t mean any of the rest of us should.

I digress.

I’m real fired up about the stock pile of big bodies the Texans have put together in the O and D backfield. I’m real anxious to see how the Nolans, Barbers, Mouldens, Foster, Johnsons of the world do in training camp.

As far as Dennison, it was totally obvious that teams were over shifting from Joe Gibbs 1 yard and a cloud of linemen play calling. I know Shanny was supposed to be calling the plays, but when you’re running the same two plays left and right without a counter….well we saw the results.

I think a more creative run play selection and allowing Schaub to audible at the line, are the next steps in the offenses progression.

You said, “There’s a number of Denver fans who believe that Shanahan missed having Kubiak with the team.”

i agree; i wished Shanahan still Kubiak at that time too.

And if Dennison isn’t as intense as Kubiak like GB said, we’re in a world of trouble. Kubiak is so “intense” he can’t even make himself watch the Texans’ final plays that fail to tie the game in regulation.

And a couple of points on shoes. I agree with you absolutely on every point you made about crocs. They’re awful. And flip-flops (we called them thongs when i was a kid; my, how times have changed) just show Dennison’s lack of regard for the fans. Nothing says professionalism like an official public appearance representing the Texans and the NFL in flip-flops.

But then, i’ve always thought the McNair, Smith, and Kubiak brain trust was a croc and my team admiration has turned out to be a flip-flop. i’m not even going to get started on wedges, pumps, and mules.

Please retire from blogging so this space can be reallocated by chron.com to someone with a fresh perspective and more relevant information.

[Hmmm. Three thoughts: 1. Internet space is unlimited so just because I'm blogging, it is not stopping those with fresher, more relevant information--it's not like newsprint; 2. How do you get more relevant than providing the only video of the new offensive coordinator doing a Q&A for fans? What set you off? 3. I find your comment inadvertently funny. -Steph]

sorry steph i agree with Kreno.. the flip flops kinda threw me off. of course it has nothing to do with his coaching but gotta say i always find it wierd for men to wear those things in public.

he shoulda ware some kleets… lol

but i do like what he had to say, he and kub should work well together i think he will help improve our OL play. kubs seems to be a bit more blunt this year, hopefully that means he is growing in confidence and he knows how to control his team. no more mister nice guy.. lol

“Please retire from blogging so this space can be reallocated by chron.com to someone with a fresh perspective and more relevant information.” – Posted by: Scott at June 3, 2010 01:46 PM

Hmmm. Three thoughts: 1. Internet space is unlimited so just because I’m blogging, it is not stopping those with fresher, more relevant information–it’s not like newsprint; 2. How do you get more relevant than providing the only video of the new offensive coordinator doing a Q&A for fans? What set you off? 3. I find your comment inadvertently funny. -Steph]

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Please correct me if I misunderstood…did someone just take up “more internet space” asking someone else to take up “less internet space”? If so, and if they were to keep replying to one another, would that mean there would be “no internet space” left for the rest of us to comment on blogs that we actually enjoy very much?!?!?!

when it is obvious to anyone who reads this blog that you are, on most days, the life line between us (fans) and the Texans. Your takes & links are always appreciated.

Yet my Medusa-Snakes/Toe thing got nada from you?

That was comedy Gold baby!

Thanks for all you do.

MT

[As I've said before, my ability to respond to commenters depends on a lot of things: 1. whether I have anything to add at all; 2. whether I have any time; 3. how I'm reading the comment--it is easier to type on the computer than it is to type a response on my crackberry. I'd prefer to approve comments on a timely basis than wait until I have plenty of time to leave a comment. But as for your point of view, you must hang out with a lot of people with bad feet. The foot isn't my favorite body part, but I'm not as anti-foot as you are. Steph]

Thanks for the video’s. It’s been a tough week, so I’m sorry for the late post. Interesting listening to Coach Dennison talk about Holliday. Any chance they’ll consider looking at him at the free safety position? On a separate note: I never realized how snippy people can get about footwear. With this in mind, I’d just like to add that I’m very fond of cheese.